Step in...World has boundaries, one after another closed door; so let's share something that's still free, open--word.

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Interview with author of Herbal Lore, K.J. Simmill

This book covers a wide range of herbs and their uses in both medicinal and magical practices, including sections detailing extraction and application. It also provides comprehensive step-by-step instructions on making a wide range of items encompassing creams, herbal bags, incense, salves, tinctures, and poultices.

Presented in an easy to understand format, with an added definition of terms, making it an asset to anyone wishing to utilise the beneficial properties of herbs.

What was your inspiration for this book?

I had kept a record of herbs and their uses in both medicine and magical practices for a long time, which I used not only on a personal front, but as a guide for my non-fiction fantasy writing. It was only when I gave a copy of my research to a friend, and others asked if they could also have a copy, I realised there was nothing like it on the existing market. Since I was already about to publish my first fantasy novel I decided I should release this also.

What is your favorite scene/part in your book?

The methods and application section. In this part I detail all the various ways to obtain herbal extracts (from decoction to tincture) and how to create the tools for applying it (compresses, poultices, lotions etc). That said, the section on making magical items is a close second.

What books and authors have most influenced you?

Thomas Bartham and David Hoffmann are both amongst the books I keep returning to. In a non-fiction writing sense it was more the fact that I couldn't find a book with the information I sought, thus I compiled it myself.

Special Note:Herbal Lore is sold until March 31st for only 99¢ and 15% of this book's royalties go to The St John and Red Cross Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) who provide practical and emotional support to military personnel, their families and other entitled civilians when they are in hospital, rehabilitation or recovery centres and support patients from all three services, wherever they serve.

About Author

K.J. Simmill is a British author with books released in both the fantasy and non-fiction genres. It is her intention to ensure each book she writes will donate a percentage of her royalties to a good cause. She is a qualified Usui Reiki master, with certifications in various fields of holistic therapy. inclusive of aromatherapy, crystal healing, colour therapy, ethereal Reiki, Indian head massage, shaman power Reiki, sound therapy, and massage therapy. She has also spent many years researching various practices of magic and herbal medicine. She is also currently working towards a herbal practitioner qualification. When she is not writing, she is an avid reader and a passionate gamer. It is K.J's aim for each one of her titles to donate a percentage of the author royalties to a different charity. Herbal Lore is donating 15% to The St John and Red Cross Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) and Darrienia is donating 10% to the University Hospital of North Midlands (UHNM) charity directed towards the Neonatal intensive care unit.

Readers can find more about K.J. Simmill and her work on the following pages: